Alan Hansen is the centre-back all Liverpool defenders are judged against, as they attempt the perhaps impossible challenge of emulating the Scot's phenomenal achievements at Anfield.

During more than a decade as the foundation of the Liverpool side, Hansen collected eight league championships, played his part in three European Cup triumphs, lifted two FA Cups and won four consecutive League Cups.

A master in the art of anticipating an attack before it evolved into a serious threat, the Scotland international read the game incisively and blocked the opposition with his perfect positioning and clinical tackling.

Hansen possessed skill in abundance too; the central defender taking control of the ball, surging forward into midfield and further before cleverly releasing for a teammate was a common sight at Anfield throughout the 1980s.

His debut arrived in a league match at home to Derby County in September 1977 and by the end of the campaign 'Jocky' was in the starting line-up as Bob Paisley's team successfully defended the European Cup at the expense of Bruges.

With Hansen now ahead of the great Emlyn Hughes in the defensive pecking order, the new-look backline made history in 1978-79 - the expertly drilled Reds conceded just 16 goals in 42 league matches.

Growing in stature with each passing season, Alan played every single one of the club's 67 matches in the 1983-84 campaign and was rewarded with First Division honours, yet another League Cup and a third European Cup.

Having entered his 30s, Hansen was handed the Liverpool captaincy in 1985 and promptly led his teammates to a first-ever league and FA Cup double under the management of his good friend Kenny Dalglish.

No matter who was alongside him at centre-half - the Scot worked with several partners across his 13 years in the side - there was never any question that the defender's performance would slip below his immaculate best.

A lasting testament to Hansen's importance at Liverpool is the fact that his final season at Anfield, 1989-90, was the last time the Reds brought the league title home. For him, it was the only acceptable way to bow out.

Appearances: 620Goals: 14Honours with LFC: 3 European Cups (1977-78, 1980-81, 1983-84), 8 First Division titles (1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90), 2 FA Cups (1985-86, 1988-89), 4 League Cups (1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84)Did you know? Hansen had a trial at Liverpool six years before signing for the club, but was rejectedWhere is he now? A television pundit with the BBC